by Becca Turner
Jody approached him, hands up. “Hey, hey. Calm down, boy. I’ll get you out of here.”
He whirled to face her, but his head slammed into her side.
Jody landed on her butt on the pavement. She let out a smothered curse, drew her knees up and hugged herself. She sucked in a breath, then pushed herself up. “Splash, stand. Stand.”
The horse stopped dancing and planted his hooves on the road, although his ears swiveled and his nostrils flared. Jody hooked her hand through his halter, but she held her free left arm against her chest. Her face had gone gray beneath the sooty mask.
Nolan stayed beside her as they led the horses across to the trailer. “You okay?”
“Fine,” she ground out.
The air was hot and thick, and it took all of Nolan’s strength to control the frightened horse. He loaded Peach’s first without much struggle. Then Jody led Splash inside.
She clipped him to the tie-down and leaned against the trailer wall. “We have to get them out of here. Luke said he was coming for the others.”
“You take these four to the Tumblin’ B. They’ll be safe there. I’ll wait with Peach for your brother.”
She nodded and straightened, although she winced.
“Did he hurt your shoulder?”
“He caught me in the ribs. It’s okay. He didn’t mean to.” She gave him a weak smile. “Thanks for the help.”
“Peach is a good neighbor.”
She walked down the ramp, then began to close up. “You think they’ll save the house?”
“I hope so. Be careful driving over there.”
“I will.” She pressed a hand beneath her breast and let out a breath. “Luke should be here soon. Is Austin taking care of your place?”
“He is. I’ll give him a call after Luke gets the other two out of here.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do. There might be time to load some cattle if we hurry.” She cast a look at the fire consuming the grass. “I gotta go.”
Dark circles smudged the skin beneath her eyes. She gave him a tight smile, then walked with weary posture to the truck.
The smoke seemed to thicken—hopefully from the fire being blasted with water. Luckily, Jody was headed away from the fire and smoke.
All he and Peach could do was wait for Luke. They led the last two horses down the road away from the fire and into the ditch so Luke would be able to see them more clearly.
Peach kept looking toward her house, obscured by the heavy haze.
“It’ll be all right. You’ve come through blizzards, floods, tornadoes, and droughts. You’ll manage.” Nolan gave Peach’s shoulder a squeeze. “You’re a tough gal.”
“That’s what Tommy used to say. No one tougher.” The tears in her eyes belied the strength in her voice. “I don’t know about this time.”
His heart ached for her and what might have been lost. “You need anything, anything at all, you know Austin and I will help.”
“You’re good boys.”
“The best,” he agreed with a grin. “Look, here comes Luke. We can get out of the road, at least.”
Luke parked, then emerged from the truck with water bottles. Grim wasn’t his usual facial expression, but as he took in the smoke-filled scenery, he frowned. “Damn, I’m sorry, Peach. Jody said Coy hit a rock with the brush hog?”
Peach nodded. “He’s out there right now with the rest of those guys. He’s torn up about it. When he called...it sounded like he’d just shot his dog. I know he didn’t mean to do it. It’s my fault for sending him out there. That little rain shower we had didn’t wet the ground for anything.”
Luke adjusted his hat. “It was an accident. You’ll pull through. Let’s get those horses loaded.”
In a matter of minutes, the horses were secured.
Luke jangled his keys in his hand. “You need a ride since Jody has your truck?”
“I can’t leave.” Peach shook her head. “Will you take the horses to your place? Nolan, you’d better go see about your ranch. You’ve spent enough time helping me out.”
Luke exchanged a look with Nolan before turning his gaze on Peach again. “I don’t know if you staying is such a good idea.”
“I’m seventy-seven years old, boy.” She wagged her finger at his face. “I still have plenty of good ideas. This is my place and I’ll stay here till doomsday if I have to.”
“Be careful. If the firemen tell you to go, you go. Promise?” Nolan settled his hands on his hips. “Peach.”
“I’m old, not stupid.” She lifted her chin, but rolled her eyes. “If it’ll make you feel better, yes, I’ll go when and if I’m told.”
But another look at the smoke made Nolan think it was dissipating. Maybe the firemen had a handle on it.
Fingers crossed.
Nolan and Peach climbed into his truck as Luke pulled away. His phone rang, declared Austin’s number, and he answered. “Yeah?”
“Heard anything yet?” Austin’s voice was tight with tension.
“Just going to check. We got Peach’s horses loaded. I don’t know what kind of progress the firefighters have made, but we’re hoping for good news.”
“Keep me updated.” Austin hung up.
The engine that had spooked Splash sat in the yard, blasting the field with water from the high pressure hose. The flames died down, leaving scorched earth and smoke in its place. One side of Peach’s stable was burned black, but all the damaged appeared to be on the outside.
Peach slipped her arm around Nolan’s shoulders and rested her head on him. “If nothing else, I still have the house.”
He nodded. “And the horses.”
She sighed. “Thank God for that. You did good.”
His nerves still tingled as he anticipated hearing bad news. “I didn’t do much.”
They watched through the truck windows as the firefighters spoke into their radios.
Ethan approached the truck. “They’re knocking it back. It didn’t jump the line and it doesn’t look like it’s going to spread off this property. It’s down from a hundred acres to twenty. There’s not much else for it to burn up where it’s contained.”
Tears rolled down Peach’s face. She hugged Nolan, hanging on as though she’d float off without him as an anchor.
“See, I told you it would be okay. If you want, tomorrow you can move the horses to our place. Austin and I will take care of them until you get everything settled here.”
She sniffled and nodded, then climbed out of the truck to thank the firefighters.
Nolan called Austin and gave him the good news. After that call, he hesitated with his thumb over Jody’s number. Of course she’d want to know Peach’s house had been spared.
She answered on the first ring. “How is it?” Her dread poured through the speaker.
“They’ve nearly got the fire out. Peach’s house is okay. I guess she won’t really know how bad the damage is until tomorrow or the next day, but you two probably saved the house. You at Luke’s?”
“Oh, thank God. Yes, I’m here.”
“You might as well leave Peach’s truck and trailer there. We’re moving the horses to my place later. You need a ride back here for your truck?”
She hesitated. “I guess.”
“I’ll be there in a little while. As soon as I’m sure Peach has a grip on things.”
“Okay. Thanks, Nolan.”
He waited around a while, until the fire trucks and volunteers started leaving. An old Chevy bounced down the road with Coy Beecher, Peach’s grandson and foreman, behind the wheel. Two of Peach’s other hands were crammed in the cab with him. When he climbed out, Coy’s face was gray under the black smudges of soot.
Peach enveloped him in a hug, despite the fact that all he seemed to be able to say was how sorry he was.
Taking it as his cue to go, Nolan headed toward the Tumblin’ B and Jody.
Chapter Fourteen
Somewhere between the time she’d arrived at the Tumblin’ B
and fussed with getting the horses to pasture, Jody had found time to wash her face. Even free of dirt, she still looked pale and worn out. She reclined against the truck seat, eyes closed, elbow on the windowframe propping up her head. She’d settled into that position the second her butt hit the interior.
“Jody, I don’t know where you live.”
Town was the best bet, but beyond that, Nolan didn’t have a clue.
She stayed silent, breathing deep and evenly.
“I’m taking you to my house, then.”
No answer.
Good enough for him. He’d never been happier to set his truck on the road to home.
When he finally pulled into the driveway, he sat still a moment, taking in the house, the yard of grass going brown, and the porch swing swaying in the breeze. A big, empty house he’d grown up in, but couldn’t find anyone to share with him.
Jody let out a loud snore, jumped, then blinked. “What are we doing?”
“Relaxing for a while. And having a bite to eat. I missed lunch.” He could throw some soup in the microwave and put together a couple of sandwiches before he kicked off his boots. “How about you?”
She smothered a yawn behind her hand, then pressed it to her side with a grimace. “I should get home.”
“This truck ain’t moving until I’ve had something to eat. Come inside. You look wiped out.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t argue. They dragged themselves into the house and Jody promptly claimed his plastic-covered couch.
“I’ll be in the kitchen. You need a drink?” His throat was scratchy from the smoke. Hers would be too.
“Water’s great,” she mumbled.
He left her there and sniffed his t-shirt as he headed for the kitchen. It reeked of smoke. A hot shower was the second order of the day, as soon as his stomach was full. Maybe Jody would want to join him. The idea made him smile.
At the sink, he downed two glasses of water before he carried one back to her.
She opened her eyes and nodded her thanks, then drained it as quickly as he had.
“More?”
“Not right now. I just want to sit here…maybe for the rest of my life.”
“Suits me. I’ll be back with something to eat. Hang out there as long as you want.”
He threw meat onto bread and zapped a couple of bowls of soup, then juggled plates when he headed back to the living room.
Jody had stretched out on the couch, her face to the back of it, one arm curled under her head. The elastic band holding her hair in a ponytail had mostly slipped out, allowing some of her dark hair to escape. It made a shield against the light coming through the windows.
“Jody, wake up.”
She murmured something and pressed her face closer to the back of the couch.
“Okay, I’m going to eat then.”
She made a noise that might’ve meant she didn’t care.
He dropped into a chair and devoured the sandwiches while the soup cooled, then finished off both bowls.
She didn’t stir, not even when he accidentally clanked the ceramic dishes together. There wasn’t any harm in leaving her there. He was itching to get out of his dirty clothes and maybe sneak in a nap too.
Before he went upstairs, he pulled off her boots, then threw the chenille blanket Tiffany had insisted on buying to match the drapes over Jody. Someone might as well get some use out of it.
He paused in the doorway to watch her. A Sleeping Beauty right in his own living room. Tired as she seemed, he doubted even a kiss would wake her. And if it did, she’d probably give him a shiner to match the other one for bothering her.
* * * *
Jody’s mouth tasted like a week old ash tray. And she had to pee, bad. Light was barely leaking through the windows. Evening? Or early morning? It couldn’t be the second one. She never slept through the night.
She sat up, startled by her surroundings. Hadn’t Nolan offered to drive her home? But this was his living room, sure as she was breathing. Complete with the ugly chenille throw that had been on the back of the chair.
The house was silent, except for the hum of the fridge in the kitchen.
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and grimaced at the ache in her left side. Splash had hit her, but he hadn’t meant to. He’d been frightened and she couldn’t blame him. The wildfire had scared her too.
She got up, leaving the ugly blanket in a heap at the foot of the couch. Made her way to the bathroom. The thought of climbing in the shower and washing the dirt off almost made her cry. God, it would feel good to be clean. Guilt assailed her. She should check to make sure Splash and the other horses had settled in all right before she took care of herself.
But that shower…
Her reflection in the mirror made her think of roadkill. Like a skunk the highway department had left in the summer sun. She definitely needed a shower.
“Hey, I thought I heard you moving around.” Nolan stood just outside the bathroom threshold. Shaved, in clean clothes, and looking like a million bucks. Barefoot, though, and there was something sexy about his toes.
He makes the complete package. She could’ve smacked herself. Dammit, why did I have to think that?
He offered her a toothbrush in its blister packet and a half-used tube of toothpaste. “Mi casa and all that.”
“Thanks.” She accepted the items. “Is it still today?”
He nodded solemnly. “Has been. All day.”
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s tomorrow. You slept on the couch last night. I got up a couple times to check that you were still breathing.”
A couple of faint lines appeared on his forehead. Concern for her. She pulled her gaze away from his. “Sorry about that. I don’t sleep much and when I do, I usually crash. You should’ve taken me home.”
He shrugged, a powerful roll of muscle beneath his cotton t-shirt. “I would’ve, but you didn’t tell me where it was. I don’t mind you staying over. You want breakfast?”
She did, but had other things to do. “I can’t. Peach must be beside herself. I should get to work and see what’s going on.”
“I’ll make it to go.” He turned, then paused. “I told Peach she was welcome to board the horses here since it’s close and all. Splash too, if you want.”
How much more hospitality could she take from him? She worked the elastic out of her droopy ponytail. “Thanks, but he’ll be fine at Will’s.”
He faced her. “Is it me? You don’t like the idea of running into me every time you want to see your horse?”
Ashamed, she dropped her gaze again. “No, I think Luke’s step-daughter will get a kick out of Splash. He’s every girl’s dream horse.”
“I guess. Whatever you want. Enjoy your shower.”
Frustrated, she set the toothbrush and toothpaste aside. “I don’t know what you want from me, Nolan. Why you expect me to fall at your feet and be grateful that someone like you is paying attention to me. That’s not the kind of woman I am.”
His gaze sharpened. “I never said that’s what I wanted. I don’t expect that.”
“Then what?” She leaned against the counter. “Why is it always you who shows up when I’m in trouble?”
“Yesterday was more about Peach being in trouble.” He stepped into the bathroom. “You and I happened to be in the same place. Which has pretty much been the case since day one. It’s a small town. People run into one another. I saw one of my ex-girlfriends at the grocery store twice in the last two weeks. It’s not that strange.”
“You’re being a smartass.” The bathroom seemed to have gotten smaller with him crowding her against the counter. “Did she want to get back together for a hot minute?”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “I’m good at being a smartass. And she’s married now.”
“Oh.” Wonder if she regrets it when she sees Nolan?
He took another step toward her. “You’re looking for excuses to run.”
“I’m good at it.” S
he combed her fingers through her hair. “I should really…”
“Yeah, you should.” He left the bathroom.
Jody’s heart pounded. She’d been sure he was going to kiss her. He’d cut bait and she couldn’t blame him. She was the one fish he was never going to land.
Her clothes went into a pile at her feet. They reeked of smoke. Good thing he still had the stupid plastic on the couch or she’d have ruined it. Jody examined her side in the mirror where Splash had hit her. He’d left a bruise, but not a big one. Still sore, although she’d had worse. Her breast protested with an ache as she bent her arms around to unclasp her bra.
If you’re going to kill me, hurry up. Most of the bones in her chest and her hips were prominent. With yesterday’s soot on her neck and arms and her wild hair, she looked like a war orphan.
“Very attractive.” She rolled her eyes, then turned on the shower. Let it run a minute to warm up while she brushed her teeth.
She was about to spit when Nolan knocked. The door, not quite latched, opened. And now she wasn’t only a war orphan, she had a little foam around her mouth to complete the picture.
He stared, mouth open, a stack of clothes in his hands.
She spit out the toothpaste and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. His gaze might as well have been his hands as thoroughly as he looked over her.
“Uh, clothes. If you wanted me to wash yours. It wouldn’t take long. It’s early yet.” His voice was a little choked. Nolan offered the pile to her. “Sweats and a t-shirt. It’ll all be too big, but—”
She took the stack. “You really want to wash my clothes?”
“I can, but only if it’s okay with you.”
“These are great. Thanks.” She only wanted his clothes because they smelled like fabric softener with just a hint of masculinity thrown in. She set them on the counter.
“I’ll let you get to it.” He bent and scooped up her clothing. “Sorry to burst in like that.”
“I didn’t latch the door good. My fault.”
He nodded. “It can be tricky sometimes. You have to give it a firm push. One of these days I’ll get around to fixing it.”
He really intended to dance around the fact that she was naked. The same way she pretended she didn’t want him.
